What do fatherhood programs actually do?

Most combine peer support groups, parenting skill workshops, help navigating child support and custody, job training or placement, and — for fathers involved in the justice system — reentry services. Programs run 6–16 weeks typically, and most are free.

Who can join? Do I need custody?

Most fatherhood programs serve any dad regardless of custody status, marital status, or whether children live with them. Many specifically serve non-custodial fathers and fathers coming out of incarceration. A small number focus on specific populations (teen dads, reentry, veterans).

Are there programs for fathers who lost custody?

Yes. Programs like National Fatherhood Initiative's InsideOut Dad, Father Friendly Check-up-affiliated organizations, and many faith-based programs specifically support dads rebuilding relationships with kids after separation or incarceration.

How do fatherhood programs help with child support?

Many run 'Fatherhood Fridays' or similar collaborations with child support agencies that provide modifications for reduced income, arrears reduction for program completion, or bridge-the-gap job placements to help dads get current on orders.

Fatherhood Programs in Kansas

12 verified resources.

About Fatherhood Programs for Fathers

Fatherhood programs in the US are funded through the federal Office of Family Assistance (OFA) under the Responsible Fatherhood grant program and through state and local initiatives. Programs typically focus on three areas: healthy marriage and relationship skills, responsible parenting, and economic stability (employment and financial literacy). Services often include peer support groups, one-on-one mentoring, job training, help navigating child support, and reentry support for formerly incarcerated fathers. Organizations like the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) and Fathers' Rights Movement operate nationally; most states also have dedicated fatherhood coalitions and faith-based organizations running local programs. This directory includes federally-funded Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) grantees, state fatherhood coalitions, and community-based mentorship programs — all open to dads regardless of custody status.

Fatherhood Programs in Kansas

Kansas district courts handle family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts. The Child Support Services division operates under the Department for Children and Families. Wichita, Kansas City KS, Overland Park, and Topeka are the largest cities. Kansas Legal Services provides statewide civil legal aid, with fathers' rights and family law among the top case types.

12 Resources

1. Kansas DCF – Fatherhood Initiative — Free

The Kansas Department for Children and Families' Fatherhood Initiative supports responsible fatherhood through state-funded programs, referrals, and partnerships with community providers across Kansas. Services include parenting classes, employment support, child support navigation, and peer groups. Fathers can call the Topeka office on S Kansas Ave weekdays to learn about programs in their area or get connected to a local provider. No cost for most participant services.

785-296-3274 · 555 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Fatherhood Initiative – KS Partners — Free

The National Fatherhood Initiative partners with Kansas community providers, DCF, and faith-based organizations to deliver evidence-based fatherhood curricula such as 24/7 Dad and InsideOut Dad in local settings. Fathers seeking a class can call the national office or check the provider locator to find a participating organization in Kansas. Programs cover parenting, co-parenting, communication, and healthy relationships, typically at no cost to participants.

301-948-0599 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Urban League of Kansas – Fatherhood — Free

The Urban League of Kansas in Wichita operates father engagement programs focused on parenting skills, employment support, child support navigation, and community connection for fathers in the Sedgwick County area. Services are designed with input from Black and other underserved fathers. Call or visit the E 9th St office weekdays to enroll. Participants typically complete a short intake to identify needs and match to available groups or one-on-one support.

316-262-2463 · 2418 E 9th St, Wichita, KS 67214 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

4. YMCA of Greater Wichita – Father Programs — Free

The YMCA of Greater Wichita offers father-child activities, parenting workshops, and family programming at branches across the Wichita metro. Programs like Y-Guides and dads-and-kids events promote bonding through sports, games, and outdoor activities. Fathers can register at the downtown branch on N Market or through the Y's website. Financial assistance is available for memberships and program fees for families who qualify based on income.

316-264-1611 · 402 N Market, Wichita, KS 67202 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-9pm · Visit Website

5. Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka – Dads — Free

Boys and Girls Clubs of Topeka operates programs that promote father involvement through family events, mentoring, and parenting engagement alongside its core youth services for kids ages 6-18. Fathers can volunteer, attend family nights, or enroll children in after-school and summer programming at the SE California Ave club. Scholarships and sliding-fee options are available for families who qualify. Staff welcome dads to participate in club activities.

785-234-5601 · 1715 SE California Ave, Topeka, KS 66607 · Mon-Fri after school · Visit Website

6. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas — Free

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas matches adult mentors with children and youth statewide, providing positive father-figure relationships for kids facing adversity, many from single-parent households. Fathers can enroll a child in need of a Big or sign up to become a mentor themselves. The Wichita office on S Market handles intake weekdays and includes a screening, matching, and ongoing support process designed to build long-term, safe mentoring relationships.

316-263-8282 · 215 S Market, Wichita, KS 67202 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Salvation Army – Father Programs Topeka — Free

The Salvation Army Topeka Corps provides fatherhood support, family reunification assistance, emergency aid, and case management from its SE 6th Ave location. Fathers working toward reunification with children or stable housing can meet with a caseworker to coordinate services including food, clothing, rent assistance, and referrals. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any case paperwork. The office is open weekdays and serves residents of Shawnee County.

785-233-9648 · 1320 SE 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66607 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Catholic Charities of NE Kansas – Fatherhood — Free

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas offers father engagement programming, family strengthening services, counseling, and emergency assistance for the Kansas City metro area including Johnson, Wyandotte, and surrounding counties. Fathers can call the Overland Park office on W 87th St to schedule an intake or learn about upcoming groups. Services are available regardless of faith background, and sliding-fee or free services are available for qualifying families.

913-433-2100 · 9720 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Salina Community Action – Fatherhood — Free

OCCK and Salina-area community action partners offer father engagement programs for central Kansas, covering parenting skills, employment support, co-parenting, and referrals to child support and legal resources. Fathers can visit the N Santa Fe office weekdays or call for intake information. Programs typically include group classes and one-on-one case management. No cost for most services, and staff assist with enrollment in food, housing, and healthcare benefits as needed.

785-827-3764 · 340 N Santa Fe, Salina, KS 67401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. YMCA of Topeka – Father-Child Programs — Free

The YMCA of Topeka offers father-child bonding activities, parenting workshops, and family programming at its downtown branch on SE Van Buren. Programs include dad-and-kid events, sports leagues, and swim lessons designed to support engaged fatherhood and active family time. Fathers can register in person or online. Financial assistance is available for memberships and program fees for families who qualify based on income. Branch hours run Monday through Saturday.

785-354-8591 · 421 SE Van Buren, Topeka, KS 66607 · Mon-Sat 5:30am-9pm · Visit Website

11. Hutchinson Community Fatherhood Program — Free

Hutchinson-area community organizations, coordinated through the Hutchinson Family Resource Network, deliver father engagement programming covering parenting, co-parenting, employment readiness, and community referrals for Reno County fathers. Fathers can call to find out about upcoming classes, one-on-one case management, and partner services. Programs are typically free for participants, with staff available weekdays to answer questions and schedule intake appointments.

620-663-5645 · Hutchinson, KS 67501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Fort Riley – Strong Bonds Father Program — Free

The Fort Riley Strong Bonds program offers military fatherhood retreats, marriage enrichment, and family programming for active duty soldiers and their families. Led by chaplains, sessions cover communication, parenting through deployments, and reunification. Fathers stationed at Fort Riley can sign up through their unit chaplain or contact the family programs office at the post. Events are typically free for service members and eligible family members and take place on and off base.

785-239-9435 · Fort Riley, KS 66442 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Fatherhood Programs — Common Questions

What do fatherhood programs actually do?: Most combine peer support groups, parenting skill workshops, help navigating child support and custody, job training or placement, and — for fathers involved in the justice system — reentry services. Programs run 6–16 weeks typically, and most are free.
Who can join? Do I need custody?: Most fatherhood programs serve any dad regardless of custody status, marital status, or whether children live with them. Many specifically serve non-custodial fathers and fathers coming out of incarceration. A small number focus on specific populations (teen dads, reentry, veterans).
Are there programs for fathers who lost custody?: Yes. Programs like National Fatherhood Initiative's InsideOut Dad, Father Friendly Check-up-affiliated organizations, and many faith-based programs specifically support dads rebuilding relationships with kids after separation or incarceration.
How do fatherhood programs help with child support?: Many run 'Fatherhood Fridays' or similar collaborations with child support agencies that provide modifications for reduced income, arrears reduction for program completion, or bridge-the-gap job placements to help dads get current on orders.